FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I qualify to purchase through the MINI Military Sales Program?
You are eligible for the MINI Military Sales Program if you are Stationed or on TDY/TAD orders in Germany at the time you place your order.
Can the prices be negotiated?
Unlike stateside dealers that purchase the cars, we are the agents for the BMW Military Sales Program controlled by BMW AG headquarters in Munich. The prices have been substatially discounted, are in fixed dollars, and set by them. Dealers within the Military Program may not arbitrarily alter those prices. The price you see is the price you pay and everyone pays the same!
What kind of warranty comes with the MINI?
The warranty while here in Europe is 2-years / unlimited mileage. Extended warranties are available in Europe at extra cost. In the U.S.A., MINI offers a 4-year / 50,000 mile New Passenger Car Limited Warranty and a 12-year / unlimited mileage Rust Perforation Limited Warranty. Also included once you return stateside is MINI's Full Maintenance Warranty for 3 years / 36,000 miles. Upon your return home your new MINI reverts to the unused portion of the stateside warranty with just one easy step from you.
How do I ship my MINI home?
It may be shipped on your military orders if you qualify. The MINI Military Sales Program also offers a free home shipping package.
Where would I pick up my car if I use the MINI Military Sales Shipping Program?
The MINI Shipping Program offers various ports in the US. The current Ports of Entry are as follows: Newark NJ, Baltimore MD, Charleston SC, Brunswick GA, and Port Hueneme CA. Do all cars sold in the Military Sales Program conform to US requirements? Yes, all cars conform fully to US Federal regulations and to legal requirements in the state of California.
What is my tax liability in the USA if I purchase through this program?
There are two types of taxes to consider, one is Federal and the other is State. Federal Import Tax is charged at 2.5% of the total value stated on the purchase order. The criteria for free (non taxable) importation of a new automobile is that the person must have been stationed for 140 consecutive days outside the USA and it's territories and must have accepted delivery of the vehicle while stationed abroad before shipping the car to the USA accompanied by a copy of PCS orders. Rules can vary depending upon whether you are Military, Civilian (GS) or you are a DOD contractor. If you would like more information please check with the relevant department or view the appropriate information yourself by visiting www.customs.gov web site.
State Sales Tax is entirely different, because it is impossible to list definitive criteria regarding this tax, as each individual state handles the issue differently. For an overview of the various State Departments, please go to www.sisterstates.com for more information.
(Neither Cars International nor its representatives can accept responsibility for any form of tax due on automobiles purchased through our company. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.)